Popular content

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Sawtoothed Grain Beetle

Sawtoothed grain beetles. Actual size approx. 3 mm.

The sawtoothed grain beetle is an insect pest in stored grain and a common household pest found in dry, stored food products. Sawtoothed grain beetles attack almost any dry food but are most likely to be found in cereal products such as flour, cake mix, cornmeal, and macaroni and other items such as bread, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and dry pet food.

Sawtoothed grain beetles are slender, flat, brown beetles only 3 mm long. Their name comes from the 6 tiny sawlike "teeth" on each side of the thorax. Both adults and small, off-white larvae will be found in an infested food item. The adult beetles often wander away from the infested material and will be found inside cupboards or anywhere in the house.

Control of any stored food pest requires locating and eliminating infested item(s). All potentially infested foods should be checked. The insects may be in unopened boxes or containers. Infested items can be thrown away or salvaged by freezing for 1 week or heating in a 140 degree oven for 15 minutes.

Insecticide sprays are not recommended for controlling insects in stored food cupboards. Washing shelves with detergent, bleach, ammonia or disinfectants will not have any effect on insect pests.

As a precaution against reinfestation, you may want to store susceptible foods in sealable glass, metal or heavy plastic containers or in the refrigerator or freezer until you are convinced the infestation is gone.